Tanx Songs Ranked
Tanx is a 1973 album by rock band T. Rex, the eighth since their debut as Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1968, and the fourth under the moniker T. Rex. It was released on 16 March by record label EMI. Tanx was a musical departure from previous works: still containing tracks in the vein of The Slider, singer and songwriter Marc Bolan showed his interest for soul music, funk and gospel. Female backing singers appeared on a few tracks. New instruments such as mellotron were used, played by producer Tony Visconti, allowing the T. Rex sound to evolve. Upon its release, Tanx was a commercial success. It peaked at number 4 in the UK Albums chart, number 3 in the German Albums chart and number 5 in Norway. No singles were released to promote the album. Here are all of Tanx songs ranked.
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8. Left Hand Luke and the Beggar Boys
“Perhaps “Left Hand Luke & the Beggar Boys” is the only questionable song, but only because it’s a couple minutes overlong. A very strange combination of soul, blues, glam and clever use of female vocals makes it stand out, but it’s not a favorite of mine.”
7. The Street and Babe Shadow
“Here’s a little secret. All of T.Rex’s songs sound alike. Fortunately it’s a good song, and Bolan tries to branch out his sound on Tanx with the use of a little bit of soul singers peppered in the background. I’ve lost track of who was stealing from who between Bolan, Bowie, Lou and Iggy, but this move certainly impressed Bowie, who used a similar style for Young Americans a little later on.”
6. Born to Boogie
“Born to Boogie” is insanely heavy for 1973 (and catchy- try NOT to get wrapped up in the line “Baby baby, I was born to boogie! Impossible to dislike it!)”. This is what I mean about the band borrowing elements of the 50’s rockabilly style and totally transforming it into a completely different monster. “
See more: T-Rex Albums Ranked
5. Electric Slim and the Factory Hen
“Sometimes I wonder if I listen to the music of T.Rex a little differently than most. What I like about the band is the way Marc Bolan delivers these devastatingly sad and extremely emotional vocal melodies that basically feels soul-crushing the way they’re delivered with so much feeling and compassion.”
4. Shock Rock
“Even when they rock as hard as possible I still sense a good deal of emotion. It makes me think Marc Bolan was the kind of guy willing to go the extra mile to please his fans. I also admire that the band occasionally takes elements of the late 50’s rock scene in terms of vocal melody catchiness and revamps the entire genre into Bolan’s very own style.”
See more: T Rex Songs Ranked
3. Mister Mister
“Perhaps the high point for me is “Mister Mister”. The saxophone is cleverly tucked in the back (the way it should be) in order to focus on Marc’s sincere vocal style displayed very well here, and I admit I even come close to crying during the chorus. Odd, offbeat and surreal use of orchestration that’s totally distinct of the T.Rex sound, too. Love it.”
2. Tenement Lady
“Tanx really is a fantastic album from a songwriting perspective. The two parts of “Tenement Lady” blow me away, especially the much sadder second half when the pace slows down. Sort of unusual and surprising for Marc to blend two songs together and make them one but he accomplishes such a feat here and it works *very* well.”
1. Life Is Strange
“Speaking of the Slider, “Life Is Strange” would fit in perfectly with that album. This is where Marc Bolan basically gives the vocal performance of the century and makes it very clear that the band certainly had their own thing going on. Who sings in such a devastating and surreal way all the while keeping a strong vocal melody fully in check? “
